Hard blows follow one another for French industrial workers. After the announcement of the probable closure of an ArcelorMittal plant in Reims (Marne), the Reims Aerospace company, manufacturer of components for the aeronautical industry, will disappear. Reviving since October 2, the factory located in Prunay, east of Reims, since the 1960s, saw its fate sealed this Friday, November 22. And with it that of its 75 employees.
Romania, Morocco, China
“The court (…) finds that the recovery of the company is clearly impossible [et] pronounces the judicial liquidation of the company Reims Aerospace”, we read in the sentence of the commercial court. “There are no more orders, no money, no anything”, said Adeline Parmentier, secretary of the company’s CSE, dejectedly, leaving the hearing on Thursday 14 November. “There were very tense discussions and in the end the management announced the liquidation. The employees are disappointed, it’s hard to digest, especially when you’ve been working there for years.
The court’s decision had been reserved, but was awaited by workers at the company which, until recently, produced components for the Airbus A320 and the Dassault Falcon. Unfortunately, these last two customers ended up letting Reims Aerospace go, preferring other subcontractors, in Romania, Morocco and even China. The Reims company had already been in difficulty for several years since Together Industry, the former entity, was taken over by the Lyon-based ACI group, in 2021, already after a judicial liquidation. This time no buyer came forward.
Management assured staff representatives that reclassifications would be proposed within the ACI group and that recruitment with other subcontractors in the South of France would be promised. “We all have families, children, it’s complicated to leave,” sighs the personnel representative, who has spent more than ten years in the company. Others have 25 more, but are still far from retirement.
What are the potential economic consequences of industrial facility closures in France?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Olivier Dupont, Industrial Economics Expert
Time.news Editor: Hello Dr. Dupont, thank you for joining us today. Recent headlines have been weighty, especially with the closure of the Reims Aerospace facility and the potential shutdown of the ArcelorMittal plant. What are the broader implications of these closures for the French industrial landscape?
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. The closures of key industrial facilities like Reims Aerospace are indicative of a troubling trend in France’s manufacturing sector. Such losses not only affect local employment but also signal a larger pattern of deindustrialization. As we see companies shift operations to countries like Romania, Morocco, and China, it raises questions about the sustainability of our local industries.
Time.news Editor: Exactly. You mentioned that companies are relocating to other nations. What are the primary factors that drive these companies to make such decisions, and how does this impact the workforce in France?
Dr. Dupont: Companies are often motivated by lower labor costs, regulatory environments, and access to emerging markets. In the case of Reims Aerospace, the judicial liquidation reflects the inability to compete in a global market that increasingly favors low-cost production. This inevitably leads to job losses, as you mentioned, but it also creates a ripple effect in the local economy, affecting suppliers and the service sector that support these industries.
Time.news Editor: It’s heart-wrenching to think about the affected employees—75 in this case. What kind of support or retraining programs could the French government implement to help these displaced workers?
Dr. Dupont: The government could focus on a few key strategies. First, retraining programs tailored to sectors with growth potential, such as renewable energy or technology, should be prioritized. Additionally, creating a safety net that includes unemployment benefits, as well as psychological support, is crucial for those facing sudden job loss. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industries could pave the way for better job placements.
Time.news Editor: Those are practical suggestions. As industrial activity declines in certain regions of France, what role can innovation play in revitalizing these areas?
Dr. Dupont: Innovation is crucial. Regions like Reims could invest in developing tech hubs or renewable energy initiatives, attracting new businesses and encouraging startups. This not only creates jobs but also brings a refreshing economic dynamism to areas suffering from industrial decline. Government incentives for businesses to invest in these regions can also catalyze growth.
Time.news Editor: It appears that the road ahead will be challenging yet filled with opportunities if tackled correctly. Dr. Dupont, what message would you give to the industrial workers of Reims and beyond during these tough times?
Dr. Dupont: I would say to them: resilience and adaptability are key. The landscape of work is changing rapidly, but with change comes opportunity. Stay open to learning new skills and exploring new fields. There is always a path forward, and support systems are evolving to help you navigate the transitions.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights. The situation indeed poses numerous challenges, but with proactive measures and a focus on innovation, there may be a brighter future for the industrial workforce in France.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for better days ahead for all those affected.